NYK Line has completed the world’s first ship-to-ship (STS) ammonia bunkering operation to an ammonia-fuelled vessel.
The bunkering took place on 17 September with the assistance of Japan Marine United Corporation, Nihon Shipyard, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, and Kokuka Sangyo.
Ammonia fuel was transferred from the ammonia carrier Shoei Maru via the ship-to-ship method, at a quay within Japan Marine United Corporation’s Ariake Shipyard, to an ammonia-fuelled medium gas carrier scheduled for delivery in November 2026. The operation was conducted in preparation for sea trials of the AFMGC using fuel ammonia.
Commenting on the development, a statement from NYK Line reads: “the bunkering operation was conducted following extensive discussions among the companies involved. Safe operating procedures and work processes were established prior to the operation, enabling the transfer to be completed safely. Through this initiative, we have accumulated practical insights regarding safe fuel supply operations. This operation serves as a pioneering example of the fuel-supply framework that will be required for the widespread adoption of ammonia-fueled vessels. The AFMGC is currently in the final stage of construction and is scheduled for delivery in November 2026. The successful completion of this operation marks a significant milestone toward the broader commercial use of fuel ammonia and the practical deployment of ammonia-fueled vessels. It also represents an important step forward in establishing an ammonia supply chain”.
